They gotta have it.Researchers studying the physiological mechanisms behind taste and smell in fish have netted an unanticipated catch: a simple compound that gives catfish catfish, common name applied to members of the freshwater fish families constituting the suborder Nematognathi. The catfish is related to the sucker and the minnow, and like them has a complex set of bones forming a sensitive hearing apparatus. an uncontrollable urge to bite. The scientists say anglers might apply the substance -- whimsically named "Gotta Bite" -- to lures to make gamefish all but leap into the boat. They also predict that fish farmers could use the appetite-stimulating chemical to grow bigger fish in less time. Gotta Bite's discoverers -- physiologist John Caprio of Louisiana CODE, OF LOUISIANA. In 1822, Peter Derbigny, Edward Livingston, and Moreau Lislet, were selected by the legislature to revise and amend the civil code, and to add to it such laws still in force as were not included therein. State University in Baton Rouge Baton Rouge (băt`ən r  zh) [Fr.,=red stick], city (1990 pop. 219,531), state capital and seat of East Baton Rouge parish, SE La. , and Slovenian animal behaviorist Behaviorist1. One who accepts or assumes the theory of behaviorism (behavioral finance in investing.) 2. A psychologist who subscribes to behaviorism. Notes: When it comes to investing, people may not be as rational as they think. Tine Valentincic -- were examing how catfish sense amino acids when they stumbled upon their serendipitous ser·en·dip·i·ty n. pl. ser·en·dip·i·ties 1. The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident. 2. The fact or occurrence of such discoveries. 3. An instance of making such a discovery. finding. In the December CHEMICAL SENSES, they report that catfish taste but do not smell Gotta Bite, which is a blend of several amino acids, the building blocks that combine to form proteins. In 1977, Caprio discovered that catfish, unlike most fish, do not taste the same amino acids they smell, or smell the same amino acids they taste (SN: 5/21/77, p.332). Taste researchers study catfish because these animals have an exquisite sense of taste. "Catfish are basically swimming tongues," says Caprio, "so they are ideal models for our research." But even though catfish usually respond heartily to good tastes, Caprio says he and Valentincic were shocked by the fish's initial response to Gotta Bite. At low concentrations of the substance, the fish began a series of rapid turns, as if searching for the source of the yummy flavor. As the concentration of Gotta Bite increased, the fish flew into a feeding frenzy feed·ing frenzy n. 1. A period of intense or excited feeding, as by sharks. 2. Excited activity by a group, especially around a focal point: -- champing at the water, gobbling up and spitting out small rocks, and snapping at the glass walls of the aquarium. Louisiana State University Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, generally known as Louisiana State University or LSU, is a public, coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the main campus of the Louisiana State University System. has applied for patents for using Gotta Bite to coast fishing lures and as a diet supplement for farmed fish. Caprio cautions that he and Valentincic have not yet tested the substance outside the laboratory. However, he says, "if it works in the field half as good as it works in the lab, it's going to be something." |
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